Brand Name: Prozac
Generic Name: Fluoxetine

Prozac [Fluoxetine] Description

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI] that inhibits the reattachment of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to it's originating nerve. Serotonin is linked to mood-sleep-memory-muscle contraction, and low levels of this chemical can cause panic, anxiety, suicidal ideation or suicide in affected individuals. Fluoxetine inhibits this reuptake, making higher levels of serotonin available in the brain, helping in maintaining the chemical balance, and stabilizing depressed feelings as well as anxiety.

Uses of Prozac

It is used to treat major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children. Besides, it is also used in adults in the treatment of panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as the eating disorders – bulimia nervosa [binge eating followed by purging] and anorexia nervosa [eating very little].

How to Use Prozac

Take the dose exactly as prescribed. Usually it's a once-a-day dose, or your doctor may prescribe 2 doses a day. It depends on the individual medical condition and the disorder being treated, and differs from adults to children. Prozac comes in varying strengths. It can be taken with water, or with food - if your doctor advises. The extended-release capsule should be swallowed whole, and not broken or chewed.

Missed Dose of Prozac

If you do miss a dose, consult your doctor. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but if time is nearing for your next dose, then leave the missed dose and stick to your normal dosing pattern; but don't double your dose.

Side-effects of Prozac

Some of the common, less serious side effects may include:-

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite, or conversely increased appetite
• Insomnia
• Dizziness, or drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Perspiration.

An allergic reaction can include: rash, hives, swelling in the face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty in breathing, or severe dizziness for which you should contact your doctor for help at once and stop taking the medicine.

Overdose of Prozac

Overdose symptoms can include: rapid/abnormal heartbeats, severe drowsiness, persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or severe mood/mental changes. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim collapses or stops breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Interactions of Prozac

Some of the medicines with which Prozac interacts, are:-

• Other SSRIs like Citalopram, or Sertraline
• Anti-seizure medications like Carbamazepine, or Phenytoin
• Anti-anxiety drugs such as Alprazolam, Diazepam, or Buspirone
• Antipsychotics like Aripiprazole, Clozapine, or Haloperidol
• Narcotic pain relievers such as Codeine, or Meperidine
• Tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline, or Imipramine
• Certain cardiac medicines such as Flecainide
• Antihistamines like Diphenhydramine
• Medicines for TB such as Isoniazid

Storage of Prozac

When you buy Prozac, store it at a room temperature between 15 C-30 C, away from heat, light and dampness and out of reach of children and pets.

Precautions of Prozac

Avoid alcohol for it can increase the side effects of this medicine.

Those who drive or perform risky tasks should try to refrain from such activities, until they know how the medicine affects them and are sure that they can handle it's effec

Keep all your lab appointments as the doctor will want to monitor your blood glucose levels, if you are diabetic.

It is recommended that you do not attempt to treat yourself by taking, increasing, decreasing, or stopping the medicine on your own.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms it can do more harm than good to that person.

Notes of Prozac

Read the Patient Information carefully each time you purchase a refill - it may contain new information. Your doctor/pharmacist will be able to tell you more about the uses, precautions, side effects, and interactions linked to this medicine. Discard any unused medicine after your treatment is over.